Itineraries For Beaches Islands

Part of our Beaches Islands guide.

Nine places and guides from our Beaches Islands coverage, gathered into one page. Start with a one-week Isles of Scilly itinerary, a five-day Faroe Islands plan, or a beach day-trip primer—then move on to Venice Beach, Favignana, Islas Ballestas, the Falklands, the Galápagos, and Romblon.

Your 1 Week Itinerary To Visit The Isles Of Scilly

This archipelago, of which only a handful are inhabited, is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil escape. The Isles of Scilly sit in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Cornwall, with white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. A week gives you time to island-hop by boat, hike coastal trails, and kayak around granite outcrops. Base yourself on St. Mary's, the largest island, and take day trips to Tresco's famous Abbey Garden or the quieter sands of St. Martin's. Ferry services run regularly between islands from Easter through October, but check the weather—the Atlantic can be unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproofs even in summer, and book accommodation well ahead for July and August.

Faroe Islands Itinerary & Travel Guide: 5 Days (More Or Less)

Five days in the Faroe Islands lets you cover the highlights without rushing, though you will not see everything. The Faroe Islands consist of multiple islands, each with its own distinct charm. Start in Tórshavn, the capital, and spend a day exploring its old town and the Nordic House. On day two, take the ferry to Vágar for the famous Mulafossur waterfall at Gasadalur and the hike to Drangarnir sea arch. Day three: head north to Eysturoy and visit the village of Gjógv, then continue to the bird cliffs of Vestmanna. Use day four for the remote island of Mykines, where puffins nest in summer—ferry crossings sell out, so book ahead. On your final day, drive the Leitisvatn lake trail or visit the Kalsoy lighthouses. Roads include undersea tunnels with tolls, so budget for those, and rent a car for flexibility. Weather shifts fast; carry a windproof jacket and sturdy boots.

What To Do On A Beach Day Trip

A successful beach day trip starts with choosing the right spot: check tide times, water temperature, and whether the beach has lifeguards or facilities. Pack more than sunscreen—bring shade, plenty of drinking water, and snacks that won't melt. For activities, bring a snorkel mask to explore rocky edges, a paddleboard if you have one, or just a good book. Arrive early to claim a good patch of sand, especially on weekends. If you are visiting a remote beach, let someone know your plans and carry a fully charged phone. After swimming, rinse off with fresh water if available, and always take your rubbish home—leave the beach as you found it.

The Ultimate Guide To Venice Beach In A Weekend

Venice Beach is more than a sandy shoreline: it is a vibrant community with a colorful boardwalk, canals, and trendy shopping districts. Start your first morning with a walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where street performers, skaters, and vendors create a nonstop scene. Rent a bike and ride south to Marina del Rey or north toward Santa Monica. In the afternoon, explore the Venice Canals—a quiet residential area with footbridges and kayakers. On day two, check out the Venice Beach Skate Park and the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, then browse the boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. For lunch, grab a taco from a stand or sit down at a sidewalk café. End your weekend with sunset at the beach, watching the surfers and the ferris wheel at Pacific Park light up.

A Guide To Favignana Island, Sicily - The Perfect Day Trip

Favignana is often nicknamed the "Butterfly Island" due to its shape. Located off the coast of Sicily in Italy, it is an easy day trip from Trapani—the ferry takes about 30 minutes and runs multiple times daily in summer. Rent a bike on arrival and ride the flat coastal roads to Cala Rossa, a rocky cove with brilliant blue water, or continue to the old tuna factory at the port. For swimming, head to Lido Burrone, a sandy beach with shallow water. Snorkelers will find sea caves and rocky reefs along the eastern shore. Lunch is simple: a panino with local tuna or a granita at a beachfront bar. If you want to avoid crowds, take the first ferry at 8:30 a.m. and return by late afternoon. The last ferry back usually departs around 7 p.m., but confirm times locally as schedules change by season.

Islas Ballestas - Everything You Need To Know For A Day Trip Tour

Dubbed the "Galapagos of Peru," Islas Ballestas are a group of small islands off the coast of Peru, protected as part of the Paracas National Reserve. Tours depart daily from Paracas and take about two hours round-trip, including the boat ride. You will see sea lions basking on rocks, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of guanay cormorants and boobies. The boats pass the famous Candelabra geoglyph on the way out—a giant figure etched into a hillside. You cannot land on the islands; instead, you circle them slowly for photography. Bring a windbreaker and sunscreen, as the sea breeze is constant. Tours cost around 40–50 soles per person (roughly $10–13) and include the guide but not the port fee. Book the first departure at 8 a.m. to beat the wind and the crowds.

Reasons To Visit The Falkland Islands (as Part Of A South America Itinerary)

The Falkland Islands sit approximately 300 miles off the coast of South America, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. For travelers already in Patagonia, a visit here offers something few see: vast penguin colonies, including king, rockhopper, and gentoo species, often just meters from walking paths. Stanley, the capital, is small enough to explore on foot, with a museum, a cathedral, and pubs serving local beef and seafood. Day trips by 4x4 take you to Volunteer Point for king penguins or to Bluff Cove for gentoos and sea lions. Flights from Chile or Argentina land at Mount Pleasant, but the timetable is limited—plan at least three full days. Weather is cool and windy even in summer (December–February), so pack layers. Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens; wildlife photography is the main draw here.

Best Galapagos Islands Itinerary M/Y Passion Yacht Cruise + Puerto Ayora

A week-long cruise aboard the M/Y Passion Yacht offers a structured way to see the Galapagos Islands, with daily snorkeling and landings. The yacht accommodates around 16 passengers, keeping groups small. A typical itinerary starts in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see giant tortoises. From there, the yacht sails to Genovesa (Tower) Island for red-footed boobies and frigatebirds, then to Bartolomé for the iconic Pinnacle Rock viewpoint. Snorkel with penguins and sea lions at Sullivan Bay, and look for marine iguanas on the rocky shores. Landings are wet or dry depending on the site; a wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling in cooler months (June–November). Book cruises months in advance, as the yacht has limited cabins. Prices vary widely by season and cabin type, but expect to pay a premium for the guided naturalist experience included in the fare.

The Best Romblon Island Hopping Itinerary

Located in the heart of the Sibuyan Sea, Romblon is composed of several main islands, each offering unique experiences. Romblon Town, the capital, serves as the gateway to these islands and is a charming destination in its own right. Start your itinerary by flying or taking a ferry to Romblon Town, then spend the first day exploring its Spanish-era fort and marble quarry—the province is known for its marble. On day two, take a boat to Cobrador Island (also called San Pedro) for white-sand beaches and clear water; the ride takes about 30 minutes. Day three: head to Tablas Island, the largest, and visit the Binucot Beach for snorkeling with turtles. If you have a fourth day, travel to Sibuyan Island for the trek to Mount Guiting-Guitin, a challenging climb through rainforest. Inter-island ferries run daily but are basic; bring your own food and water. The dry season from November to May offers the calmest seas for island hopping.